Get Rid of Acne Fast With These Popular Remedies

Those pesky acne spots can be hard to get rid of. It is not just teenagers who suffer from acne, it can affect older people too. Many women get acne during their periods, due to hormone changes. Some women suffer from cystic acne, which is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that occurs due to hormone imbalance.

Acne is not caused by dirty skin, so it won’t get better simply by washing the affected areas. This skin disease occurs when skin pores get blocked, giving rise to spots and pimples. The underlying cause is often changes in hormone levels.

a. Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a primadonna home remedy for banishing acne. This substance exfoliates the skin and has antibacterial properties.

Follow the following procedure:

• Mix the solid baking soda with a little water to form a paste.
• Put the paste on the pimples, and leave for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Finally rinse the paste away.
• After treatment, use an oil-free moisturizer on your skin, as baking soda may tend to dry it out too much.

NOTE: A few people react badly to baking soda. So, it is best to try it first on one or two spots, to make sure you have no any adverse reaction, rather than cover all the affected areas. Also, don’t use it too often (twice a week is best for most people).

b. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a mild exfoliant that may be useful for easing acne and pimples. You can make a paste using cooked oatmeal and water, and then apply it to the affected skin. Some people use uncooked oatmeal, but this may be somewhat too abrasive. Wash off after about half an hour.

c. Fuller’s earth (multani mitti)

Fuller’s earth is a fine clay that is sometimes sold under the Indian name of multani mitti. It is an effective substance for drawing oils out of the skin, so seems to work best on those acne sufferers who have oily skin.

Make up a paste with water and leave it on the spots for at least half an hour. Wash off the clay, dry, and apply a moisturizer.

d. Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements provides a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which tend to be somewhat lacking in most western diets. Increasing the relative amount of these substances is believed to reduce inflammation.

It is important to use a source of fish oil which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as EHA and DHA. Many economy fish oil brands contain relatively low levels of these compounds, so are best avoided.

You can either buy capsules or bottles or oil. These oils are only effective when eaten: don’t try spreading them directly onto the skin, you’ll just get a smelly mess!

A scientific study from South Korea, published in 2014, showed that taking omega-3 fatty acids was more effective in reducing acne symptoms than a placebo.

Tea tree oil is an oil from the Australian tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, which is not related to the shrub that provides the tea we drink (Camellia sinensis).

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, which make it a useful home remedy for acne. It should only be used on the skin, never internally. The oil is commercially available from a number of suppliers.

A scientific study in 2007 showed that 5% tea tree oil was an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, being significantly superior to a placebo (dummy treatment).

Here are some herbal remedies that may be useful for you:

a. Green tea

Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds that seem to have anti-inflammatory effects. Some acne sufferers typically drink at least three cups a day. Others allow the tea to cool, then use it directly on the spots.

A 2012 scientific review suggested that the direct use of green tea on the skin was potentially effective to control acne, along with various other skin conditions. More scientific research, however, are needed to confirm the best way to use green tea.

b. Burdock root for acne

Burdock root comes from the greater burdock plant (Arctium lappa). The plant grows widely in Europe (including the United Kingdom), and has been introduced to various states. It is eaten as an alternative remedy for acne and pimples, being usually taken by women in cases of acne which flare up during their periods.

The plant helps balance the female hormones. In addition it also contains powerful antibacterial compounds called polyacetylenes.

Burdock root capsules are commercially available. Always buy from a reputable supplier, as cases of adulteration with toxic plant material have occurred in the past.

The root has to be taken daily to be effective, not just during your period. Users tend to report that it takes a while to make much difference, so be patient.

c. Stinging nettle for acne

The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is taken internally to treat female acne.

You can harvest young leaves using gloves, then boil in water for at least 10 - 15 minutes to destroy the stings. The plant material can then be filtered off, and the water drunk as a tea. Nettle tea bags and capsules are commercially available.

The stinging nettle is believed to help balance the female hormones. It also contains flavonoids (anti-oxidant substances), which may help reduce inflammation.

NOTE: This herb needs to be handled with care!

d. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is an extract from the fruit of Serenoa repans, a type of palm. Many women find it a useful remedy for acne, pimples, and other related skin diseases.

Active substances in this herb can reduce the formation DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thus making hormonal flare-ups less likely. Some sufferers from cystic acne reported that it helped to improve their skin.

A WARNING WORD: Don’t take this supplement if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Men shouldn’t take this supplement (unless it’s prescribed by a qualified physician), since reducing dihydrotestosterone levels may have a number of undesired effects!

Saw palmetto is normally used in capsule form. Always follow the recommended dosage. For more details, consult with your naturopathic doctor and pharmacist!

Acne is an extraordinarily common skin disease, which doesn't only affect teenagers but also older people. Although not life-threatening, it can take a tool on self-esteem and quality of life.

There is no way to get rid of acne overnight, but fortunately, a number of treatment options - everything from conventional to natural - are available and can help clear it.